Group I Training Sessions
All Group I Training Sessions run from 10:15 am to 11:15 am
Title: A) Are You My Mother? When is Enough Research Enough?
Room: Roanoke Ballroom A
Capacity: 150
Presenters: Donna Brock, Registrar and KJ Proctor-Corbett, Lineage Research Chair, Williamsburg Chapter
This session will provide examples of a reasonably exhaustive genealogical search using DAR-focused case studies. Researching the women in your lineage can be especially challenging. Finding the documents needed to prove relationships and the links between generations could feel like a scavenger hunt! Learn how to recognize and follow clues in one document to lead you to the next. Three case studies and frequently untapped sources will be discussed to help you go from “Are You My Mother?” to “You ARE my mother!”
Title: B) Indian Boarding Schools- A Daughter’s Perspective on their Impact on One Family 1881 to 2021
Room: Roanoke Ballroom B
Capacity: 150
Presenter: Donna Chesus Crisp, State Chair American Indians and Joanne Faulkner, American Indians Chair, Chesapeake Chapter
This session will describe the impact of the American Indian Boarding Schools through the eyes of a Daughter of Standing Rock Sioux heritage and why it is important to support the DAR American Indians Committee work. Mrs. Faulkner will present the early history of American Indian education, focusing on the Hampton Agricultural and Industrial School and the experiences of Frances White Cow (her great grandmother) and her classmates, as well as the impact of that experience on future generations. Mrs. Crisp will discuss the DAR support to American Indian education.
Title: C) Financial Responsibilities of Chapter Treasurers
Room: Buck Mountain
Capacity: 50
This session will detail the State and National responsibilities of Chapter Treasurers. Dues payment procedures and the handling of other required and optional donations will also be covered. The four required chapter financial reports:-- Statement of Activities, Statement of Position, Chapter Audit, and IRS acceptance of the 990N-- will be discussed.
Group II Training Sessions
All Group II Training Sessions run from 1:15 pm to 2:15 pm
Title: A) The Three Rs: Genealogy Resources for Regents and Registrars
Room: Roanoke Ballroom A
Capacity: 150
Presenters: Betty German, State Chair Lineage Research and Myra Pilling Wiggins, State Chair Volunteer Genealogists
This session will describe the resources that are available to chapters who need assistance with preparing applications for Prospective Members (PM), solving lineage research problems for PM applications, and conducting workshops for Registrars on the use of e-membership, GRS, and the PM database. Virginia DAR has trained and experienced Volunteer Genealogists ready to help your chapter, Mrs. Wiggins will explain the process for asking for help. Mrs. German will describe the role of the Lineage Research Committee and how the members of this committee are ready to help you in identifying and resolving lineage issues in applications.
Title: B) Trials, Triumphs, & Traditions: Virginia DAR's First 50 Years
Room: Roanoke Ballroom B
Capacity: 150
Presenter: Nancy Alexander Simmons, State Chair History of the Virginia DAR Update
This session will cover the earliest years of Virginia DAR’s history, focusing on how we handled obstacles, what we were able to accomplish, and when many of our traditions originated. Even if you think you are familiar with all of this, this presentation will undoubtedly reveal anecdotes, accomplishments, and milestones that are new to you.
Title: C) Lineage Research is Taxing: Using On-Line Tax and Land Records
Room: Buck Mountain
Capacity: 50
Presenter: Kelly L. McMahon, CG®, Historian Great Bridge Chapter
This workshop will show you the ins and outs of tax records in the Commonwealth of Virginia: where to find them, what information can be gleaned from personal property and land tax records, and how to use these to prove kinship when the traditional methods of probate or land records do not prove kinship.
NOTE: It would be helpful for attendees to set-up a free FamilySearch account prior to attending this workshop, as we will be using FamilySearch for the tax records.
NOTE: Please bring your laptop computer or tablet to the session as they are required to participate in exercises, WIFI will be available.
Group III Training Sessions
All Group III Training Sessions run from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Title: A) See How Your Chapter Grows: Maximizing Chapter Achievement Awards (CAA) Points
Room: Roanoke Ballroom A
Capacity: 150
Presenters: Pattie Treakle Arwood, State Chair CAA, Susan Manley Walls, Regent Narrow Passage Chapter and Deborah Paxson Brewer, Regent Princess Anne County Chapter, Dr. Kim Defibaugh, Regent Williamsburg Chapter
This session will provide chapter leaders with information on how to create a plan for chapter activities and how to establish goals to increase your CAA score, learn from chapters who are successful in scoring high on the CAA, and become aware of common errors that might impact your score. The CAA program is used as a measure of the health of your chapter. Are you ready for your annual checkup?
Title: B) How to Get Started in Grass Roots Historic Preservation: Markers, Structures, Cemeteries, and More
Room: Roanoke Ballroom B
Capacity: 150
Presenters: Lynn Watson Norfleet, Chair Historic Preservation and Kecia Dyer Brown, Vice Chair Historic Preservation
This session will outline how to find and begin a historic preservation project. Learn about how to delve into historical research, and how to get chapter members or other chapters interested in the project. How do you determine the scope of a project and determine what community partners you need to involve? What is the best way to fund the project and to apply for grants? Find out what resources are available from the Historic Preservation Committee to help you "make your plan and execute your plan" from beginning to end.
SOLD OUT!!
Title: C) Getting the Most from the Library of Virginia Website: A Digital Guide for Successful Research
Room: Buck Mountain
Capacity: 50
Presenter: Shannon Combs-Bennett, QG®, Regent Phillis Wheatley Chapter
The Library of Virginia holds a fantastic wealth of information, but most users will agree that the website is not the friendliest to use. In this workshop with guided exercises, you will learn how to navigate, research, and discover the records needed to assist in your genealogical research. Genealogy
NOTE: Please bring your laptop computer or tablet to the session as they are required to participate in exercises. WIFI will be available.
Group IV Training Sessions
All Group IV Training Sessions run from 3:45 pm to 4:45 pm
Title: A) You Too, Can Be a Star: Enlighten, Enliven, & Engage Your Way to the Top
Room: Roanoke Ballroom A
Capacity: 150
Presenters: Susan Phillips Dewing District I Director, Robin W. Bagnall District IV Director, and Victoria Ritenour Dehlbom District IX Director
This session is for Chapter Regents, Chapter Vice Regents, and those thinking about becoming Regents. Topics include: You are the Regent, Not the Queen (resources, meeting guidance, etc.); The “In” Crowd (retaining current members, involving new members); and Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad CMR (tips and tricks for all those forms). You will not want to miss the finale, Been There, Done That! As District Directors we have been in your shoes, walked the miles, got the blisters, and retreaded our soles. We are excited to share what we have learned and help you to Rise and Shine!
Title: B) Every Day is Remembrance Day
Room: Roanoke Ballroom B
Capacity: 150
Presenter: Patti Rowley, State Chair DAR Service for Veterans
In this session you will learn about what the Service for Veterans Committee does for Veterans and their community with your help. Learn about the big question: Who is your VAVS Representative? What is VAVS and why does it matter to Veterans and you? Find out how important you are to Service for Veterans!
SOLD OUT!!
Title: C) Desperately Seeking? Using Wikis, Research Guides and Other Digital Tools
Room: Buck Mountain
Capacity: 50
Presenter: Karen L. Pogoloff, State Chair DAR Leadership
In this workshop you will explore popular genealogy websites to discover the hidden resources that you can use to push your research to the next level. These tools were created by experts in the field to guide your research and help you find records that might just solve your lineage mystery. Let’s start hunting together.
NOTE: Please bring your laptop computer or tablet to the session as they are required to participate in exercises. WIFI will be available.
Contact State Chair, Cheryl DeVine-Holick, or state Vice-Chair, Jennifer Reed, for more information.